METHOD FOR THE INSTANTANEOUS SELF-CALIBRATION OF THE DOSE FOR A COFFEE GRINDER-DOSER APPARATUS

Abstract

Method for the instantaneous self-calibration of the dose of coffee, for a grinder-doser apparatus with electronic control provided with a weighing means and with a granulometry adjusting means with a warning microswitch. The method provides: a first setting of the nominal dose with temporary grinding times; a second setting of the tolerance and reliability ranges of the dispensed doses, for the purpose of recalculation; the automatic control of the weight of each actually dispensed dose; the automatic recalculation of the grinding times according to an ordinary calculation logic, when one detects three consecutive out-of-tolerance doses all within the positive or negative reliability range, or according to a forced calculation logic when the microswitch detects a granulometry variation; automatic calibration of the apparatus according to the recalculated times.

Claims

1. Method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose of ground coffe, or self-calibration, of the type with setting of the desired dose weight in grams, automatic control of the actual weight, automatic recalculation of the duration of grinding and consequent automatic calibration, for a grinder-doser apparatus (20) of coffee in beans of the electromechanical type and managed by a control logic unit (203) with management programs (204); said grinder-doses apparatus (20) being provided with a weighing device (205) of the electronic type, which is integrated like a base below the main body (200) comprising at least one load cell (206) connected to said logic unit (203), in such a way as to detect the decrease in weight at every dispensing; and wherein said detection occurs in an independent way, that is to say, separate, from the filter-holding bowl (210); said grinder-doser apparatus (20) being also provided with a granulometry adjusting means (214); said method (10) comprising a first setting (101) wherein the operator sets the desired weight in grams of the dose or nominal dose, that is to say, the nominal value in weight of a single dose (DSN) and of a double dose (DDN) with which the respective grinding times (TS, TD) are temporarily associated; said method (10) including the automatic control (103) of the decrease in weight after every dispensing and with the motor off, obtaining the exact weight in grams of each dose actually dispensed (DS1-n, DDI-n); said method (10) including the automatic recalculation (104) of the grinding times (TS, TD) carried out as a function of the detected values (103, DS1-n, DD1-n), according to calculation logics included in said management. programs (204) of said logic unit (203); said method (10) including the automatic calibration (105) of the grinder-doser apparatus (20) wherein the grinding duration parameters according to the just recalculated (104) grinding times (TS, TD) are autonomously re-set in the logic unit (203): said method (10) being characterised in that immediately after said first setting (101) there is a second setting (102) wherein the operator defines the tolerance range (106) and the reliability range (107a, 107b) of the detected values (103, DS1-n, DDI-n), with respect to said nominal values (101, DSN, DDN), and wherein said tolerance range (106) comprises the accepted values, that is to say, the doses considered as compliant and for which no recalculation is provided, whereas said reliability range (107a, 107b) comprises the values of the non-compliant closes and that are considered as realistic and reliable for the purpose of said automatic recalculation (104, TS, TD); said reliability range (107a, 107b) being defined by an upper limit (108a) and a lower limit (108b) of reliability beyond which there are the anomalous values (109a, 109b), that is to say, unrealistic, which are not considered for the purpose of said automatic recalculation (104) since they are caused by an operating or functional anomaly of the grinder-doser apparatus (20); said reliability range being divided into a positive reliability range (107a) above said tolerance range (106), and a negative reliability range (107b) below it, as an intermediate range between compliant and anomalous values (106, 108a, 108b); said automatic recalculation (104, TD, TS) being automatically carried out according to two alternative operating modes: a first continuous mode that follows an ordinary calculation logic (LCO) and a second forced mode that follows a forced calculation logic (LCF), wherein said calculation logics (LCO, LCF) are included and integrated in said management programs (204), and wherein said continuous mode (LCO) is executed during the ordinary practice of use of the grinder-doser apparatus (20), as a predefined operating mode, which is temporarily interrupted by said forced mode (LCF) upon occurrence of a granulometry variation, in such a way as to immediately calibrate the grinder-doser apparatus (105, 20) as a function of said variation and thus start again with said continuous mode (LCO) already updated; and wherein, for the purpose of said automatic recalculation (104, TS, TD), in said continuous mode (LCO) one only considers the detected values (103) that are out of tolerance and included in said reliability range each time only in positive (107a) or only in negative (107b), whereas in said fbrced mode (LCF) first the grinding chamber is emptied with non-detected purging dispensings and then at least one sample dispensing is performed whose value in weight is considered in any case for the purpose of said automatic recalculation (104, TS, TD).

2. Method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose, according to claim 1, characterised in that, in said continuous mode said ordinary calculation logic (LCO) is started as soon as one detects (103) three single doses or three double doses that are consecutively out of tolerance (106) and all within said positive reliability range (107a) or negative reliability range (107b), wherein from their average (DSM) one obtains a constant of actual dispensing (K) from which one obtains the new grinding times (TS, TD) for the purpose of said automatic calibration (105).

3. Method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose, according to claim 1, characterised in that said grinding times (TS, TD) are recalculated (104, LCO) each time with a direct proportionality between the single dose (TS) and the double dose (TD) when flat grinding elements are mounted on the ginder-doser apparatus (20), in which case said automatic calibration (105) is carried out simultaneously for both doses (TS, TD), and, on the other hand, they are recalculated (104) and calibrated (105) separately when conical grinding elements are mounted on the grinder-doser apparatus (20).

4. Method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose, according to claim 1, characterised in that, in said forced mode said forced calculation logic (LCF) is started as soon as the grinder-doser apparatus (20) detects a granulometry variation, performing first two purging dispensings and then said sample dispensing from which a constant of actual dispensing (K) is obtained, which allows to obtain the new grinding times (TS, TD), in such a way as to enable immediate calibration (105) and to allow to start again with an ordinary calculation logic (LCC)) already adapted to the new granulometry.

5. Method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose, according to claim 1, characterised in that said grinding times (TS, TD) are recalculated (104, LCF) each time with a direct proportionality between the single dose (TS) and the double dose (TD) when flat grinding elements are mounted on the grinder-doser apparatus (20), in which case said automatic calibration (105) is carried out simultaneously for both doses (TS, TD), and, on the contrary, they are recalculated (104, LCF) and calibrated (105) separately when conical grinding elements are mounted on the grinder-doser apparatus (20), wherein it is provided that said sample dispensing is performed twice in sequence, that is to say, once for the single dose and once for the double dose, said constant of actual dispensing (K) being different in the single dose (KS) with respect to the double dose (KD).

6. Method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose, according to claim 1, characterised in that when an anomalous dose is dispensed, above (109a) the upper limit (108a) or below (109b) the lower limit (108b) of reliability, a temporary suspension is provided of the detections considered in said recalculation (104) in such a way as to check whether the anomaly continues, in which case action must be taken to solve it, or whether it is an occasional and negligible anomalous dose; and wherein, if said anomalous values persist, an alarm indication is made visible to the operator, whereas otherwise, that is to say, with occasional anomalies, said recalculation (104) is resumed without informing the operator.

7. Grinder-doser apparatus (20) of coffee in beans intended to control in a continuous and automatic way the actual weight in grams of the dispensed dose, with an automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose of ground coffee, or self-calibration; said grinder-doser apparatus (20) being of the electromechanical type and being managed by a control logic unit (203) with management programs (204), provided with an electronic weighing means (205) that integrates at least one load cell (206) having a horizontal detection plane and is connected to said logic unit (203), wherein said means (205, 206) is integrated like a base below the main body (200) in such a way as to autonomously detect the decrease in weight at every dispensing; said grinder-doser apparatus (20) being also provided with a granulometry adjusting means; and wherein said automatic calibration is carried out according to a method (10, 203, 204) that provides the initial setting of the weight in grams or nominal dose (101, DSN, DDN), the automatic control of the actual weight at every dispensing and with the motor off (103, 205, 206), the automatic recalculation of the duration of grinding (104, TS, TD) and the consequent automatic calibration (105), that is to say, the automatic setting of the related parameters; and wherein said automatic recalculation (104) of the grinding times (TS, TD) is performed as a function of the detected values (103) according to calculation logics that are included in said management programs (204); said grinder-doser apparatus (20) being characterised in that it integrates a microswitch (216) of warning about the granulometry variation, which is mechanically connected to the pin-spring device (215) for locking the adjusting locknut (214) and connected by cable (217) to said control logic unit (203); and wherein, in said logic unit (203), said management programs (204) also comprise and integrate the calculation logics (10, LCO, LCF) intended to perform said automatic recalculation (104, TS, TD) according to two alternative operating modes: a first continuous mode that follows an ordinary calculation logic (LCO), and a second forced mode that follows a forced calculation logic (LCF), wherein said forced mode (LCF) temporarily interrupts said continuous mode (LCO) every time said microswitch (216) detects said variation (214, 215): said grinder-doses apparatus (20, LCO) being intended for the setting (203, 204) of a tolerance range (106) and of a reliability range (107a, 107b) for the detected values (103), with respect to the nominal values (101), wherein said tolerance range (106) comprises the accepted values, that is to say, related to the dispensed doses considered as compliant for which no recalculation and calibration is provided, whereas said reliability range (107a, 107b) comprises the values of the non-compliant doses and that are considered as realistic and reliable for the purpose of said recalculation (104) and calibration (105); said grinder-doses apparatus (20, LCF) being intended for the automatic emptying of the grinding chamber with non-weighed purging dispensings as soon as said variation is detected (216), and then for the automatic execution of at least one sample dispensing whose value in weight allows to obtain the recalculated times (104, TS, TD) for the purpose of immediate calibration (105); said grinder-doser apparatus (20) with the supporting fork (211) of the filter-holding bowl (210) released from the main body (200) and fixed to the base under said cell (206) in such a way as to detect said decrease in weight independently of it (210); said grinder-doser apparatus (20) being intended to feature flat or conical grinding elements, wherein said grinding times (TS, TD) are recalculated (104, LCO, LCF) each time with a direct proportionality between the single dose (TS) and the double dose (TD) when flat grinding elements are mounted thereon, in which case said automatic calibration (105) is carried out simultaneously for both doses (TS, TD), and, on the other hand, they are recalculated (104, LCO, LCF) and calibrated (105) separately when conical grinding elements are mounted thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG. 1 schematically shows the method for the instantaneous self-calibration of the dose according to the invention; the boxes relating to the first setting, to the automatic weight control and to the final calibration are conventionally indicated with a dotted line, since they are essentially known, while the boxes relating to the second setting and to automatic recalculation, which are innovative and advantageous, are indicated with a thicker continuous line.

[0051] FIG. 2 schematically shows, for the single and the double dose, an exemplary setting of the apparatus according to the proposed method, wherein the values delimiting the tolerance range of the detected dose with respect to the initially set nominal value (DSN, DDN), and the out-of-tolerance values that are acceptable for the purpose of the recalculation of the grinding times, in positive and in negative with respect to said tolerance, are indicated centrally, while externally there are the anomalous values not considered for said recalculation;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a simplified side view of the grinder-doser apparatus that allows to carry out the method proposed by the invention, being represented with the components mounted, with the filter-holding bowl hooked and with some parts in section to facilitate the understanding of the inside;

[0053] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are detail sections relating to the hatched boxes, as in the previous figure, representing in particular: the warning microswitch for granulometry variations (4a), the board acting as a control logic unit with management programs that also execute the proposed self-calibration method (4b), the weighing device with the load cell independent of the fixing of the filter-holding bowl (4c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] With reference to the figures (FIGS. 1-4) as well, the present invention relates to an innovative method (10) for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dose of dispensed coffee, single or double, for a grinder-doser apparatus (20) with electronic control (203, 204) provided with an electronic weighing means (205, 206) and a warning microswitch (216) combined with the granulometry adjusting means (214, 215), in such a way that in the recalculation of the grinding times such adjustments are properly and immediately taken into account. By the method (10) proposed by the present invention and the apparatus (20) that allows to implement it, it is possible to solve the problems as in the known solutions and to achieve the planned aims, considerably facilitating daily professional practice and improving the quality of dispensing.

[0055] At the start of said method (10), a first setting (101) is necessary, which relates to the desired dose weight in grams, that is to say, the nominal weight value corresponding to the single dose (DSN) and to the double dose (DDN), wherein with said set weight one temporarily associates the corresponding grinding time (TS, TD), that is to say, the duration of activation of the grinding elements by the motor; in particular, for the purpose of the automatic recalculation (104) of said times, the proposed solution (10) is conceived in such a way that the operator also carries out a second setting (102), which relates to a tolerance range (106) for the weight values detected by the load cell (103, 205, 206) with respect to said set nominal value (101), while simultaneously setting (102) a reliability range (107a, 107b) of the divergent, that is to say, out-of-tolerance, values. In more detail, a maximum limit (108a) and a minimum limit (108b) are defined for the reliability of the detected values for the purpose of the recalculation (104) of the times, such limits corresponding to the extreme values considered real and relating to the specific configuration of use, because it is believed that out of these values there may be an operating or functional anomaly. In this way one defines an intermediate range between tolerance and anomaly, which is conventionally defined as reliability range, and which is partly positive and partly negative there being a positive reliability (107a) above the accepted tolerance (106) but lower than or equal to the maximum reliable value (108a), while the negative reliability (107b) is below the accepted tolerance (106) but is higher than or equal to the minimum reliable value (108b) (FIG. 2).

[0056] For the purpose of the proposed method (10), to ensure a high degree of precision and repeatability of the desired dose weight in grams (DSN, DDN) the anomalies and the occasional divergences, which for example are caused by the operator's malpractice or by an occasional impact during the detection by the cell, or even due to problems of the mains supply, are disregarded in said recalculation (104); in particular, the apparatus (20) recalculates (104) said grinding times at the occurrence of at least two consecutive detections of single dose or double dose, having out-of-tolerance and reliable values, that is to say, all in said positive reliability range (107a) or all in said negative reliability range (107b). In the present description, by out-of-tolerance and reliable values one conventionally means the consecutive detections that are out of tolerance but are anyway within a reliability range and with the same sign; preferably, in ordinary use, it is provided that the automatic calibration of the apparatus is activated at the third consecutive out-of-tolerance and reliable detection, only positive or only negative, as is exemplified for the sake of clarity hereinafter.

[0057] Said reliability range (107a, 107b) is thus defined by an upper limit (108a) and a lower limit (108b) beyond which there are the anomalous, that is to say, unrealistic, values (109a, 109b), which are not taken into consideration for the purpose of said automatic recalculation (104), since they are caused by an operating or functional anomaly of the grinder-doser apparatus (20). For safety reasons, when an anomalous dose, above (109a) said upper reliability limit (108a) or below (109b) said lower reliability limit (108b), is dispensed, there is a temporary suspension of the detections considered in the recalculation (104) of the weighings, that is to say, there is the intervention of a slowdown algorithm in which said recalculation is substantially postponed by some dispensings, preferably three or four or five dispensings, in such a way as to check whether the anomaly is repeated, that is to say, whether it is continuous and ascertained, and thus the necessary measures for solving it must be taken, or it is simply an occasional, that is to say, sporadic and negligible, anomalous dose. If said anomalous detections persist, a warning is displayed to the operator; otherwise, that is to say, with an occasional anomalous dose, the operator will not notice anything.

[0058] Therefore, in more detail as to the method (10) proposed by the invention, after every dispensing and with the motor off the apparatus (20, 203, 205) automatically controls (103) the decrease in weight on the cell (206), obtaining the actual weight of each dispensed dose (DS1-n, DD1-n). Particularly, for the purpose of the invention, the recalculation (104) of the new grinding times (TS, TD) occurs according to two different operating modes that each time are automatically selected as a function of ordinary use or of a possible detection of granulometry variation, as described hereinafter: a first continuous mode that is always operative in ordinary use except for when a movement, that is to say, a variation, of the granulometry adjusting locknut (214, 215) is detected, in which case a second forced mode is temporarily activated, which is intended to immediately re-calibrate the apparatus as a function of the new selected granulometry, to then start again with the continuous mode already precisely calibrated, avoiding the dispensing of undesired doses, that is to say, dispensed with obsolete granulometry.

[0059] In more detail (FIG. 1), in said first mode one operates according to ordinary use and in the absence of variations, as in a continuous and normal basic mode, wherein said recalculation (104) occurs only when the actually detected weights are out of tolerance and reliable, of the same sign, that is to say, only positive or only negative with respect to the nominal value, and not anomalous (FIG. 2); in this case an ordinary calculation logic (LCO) is automatically adopted. The second operating mode, on the other hand, is forcedly activated every time there is a granulometry variation, in that case adopting a forced calculation logic (LCF) that at every granulometry adjustment starts to empty the grinding chamber with purging dispensings and then performs a sample dispensing that is weighed in any case, independently of whether it is in or out of said tolerance range (106), in such a way that its weight value is used to calibrate the duration of grinding as a function of the new granulometry. Therefore, the invention provides an apparatus (20), which is advantageously intended to detect said variation by means of an innovative warning microswitch (216), which is combined with the adjusting locknut (214), and which is mechanically connected to the pin-spring device (215) for locking the locknut, and is also connected by cable (217) to the control logic unit (203, 204) (FIGS. 3, 4a); after said forced calibration of the times (104, LCF), with immediate automatic calibration of the apparatus (105), that is to say, setting of the parameters, said continuous operating mode, which operates with said ordinary calculation logic (104, LCO), is automatically restored.

[0060] At the basis of the innovative method (10) for the self-calibration of the grinder-doser apparatus (20) lie a double of calculation logic (104, LCO, LCF) and a new initial setting where the operator, after the desired dose weight in grams (101, DSN, DDN), also sets the limit values defining said tolerance range and said reliability range, for the purpose of recalculation (102, 106, 107a, 107b, LCO). In more detail, by way of example only, in the initial setting of the apparatus (10) one sets the nominal dose weight in grams (101) with the Nominal Single Dose (DSN) amounting to 7.5 grams and the Nominal Double Dose (DDN) amounting to 14 grams, and one also sets said tolerance and reliability ranges (102), wherein the respective limit values, in grams, are progressively represented below: [0061] single dose:

<(3.8)|3.97.3|7.47.6|7.713.4|(13.5)> [0062] double dose:

<(7.0)|7.113.6|13.714.3|14.419.8|(19.9)>

wherein, in order to facilitate understanding, the tolerance range (106) is here centrally indicated in bold, with the accepted values between 7.4 g and 7.6 g for the single dose and between 13.7 g and 14.3 g for the double dose, and wherein the external values that presumably correspond to an operating or functional anomaly (108a, 108b) are indicated in brackets, while the intermediate values corresponding to said reliability range (107a, 107b), in positive and in negative with respect to the accepted values, are underlined, said values being out of tolerance and being considered in said recalculation (104) for automatic calibration, being respectively included between 7.7 and 13.4 and between 3.9 and 7.3 for the single dose and included between 14.4 and 19.8 and between 7.1 and 13.6 for the double dose. In the preferred embodiment of the invention (10), such out-of-tolerance and reliable values are taken into consideration by the logic unit (203, 204) of the apparatus (20) whenever they occur three consecutive times in the same intermediate range, only positive (107a) or only negative (107b), for the single, dose or the double dose (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0063] Assuming such a setting (FIG. 2), for example, the method (10) according to the invention, which is implemented according to the typical operating modes that can be found in the professional use of the apparatus (20), is operatively described hereinafter; in the continuous mode, in the forced mode, with flat grinding elements or with conical grinding elements. In more detail, said recalculation of the doses (104) is made by means of two different algorithms when the apparatus (20) has flat grinding elements mounted thereon, providing a constant of dispensing (K) that is equal both for the single dose and for the double dose, there being in the duration of grinding a directly proportional ratio of 1 to 2. Therefore, two more algorithms are provided when the apparatus has conical grinding elements mounted thereon, wherein said constant of dispensing (K) is different between the single dose (KS) and the double dose (KD) and wherein the respective grinding times are not directly proportional to each other.

[0064] Preferentially, in said continuous mode that corresponds to ordinary use in the absence of granulometry variations, the recalculation (104, LCO) occurs when three out-of-tolerance and reliable doses, with the same sign (107a, 107b), are consecutively detected (103): in this case an algorithm recalculates the new constant of dispensing (K) putting it in relation to said set nominal dose weight in grams (101, DSN, DDN) of the doses to be dispensed. In said forced mode, on the other hand, it is possible to forcedly recalculate (104, LCF) said doses in case of variation of the grinding granulometry, therefore after a rotary movement of the grinding adjusting locknut (214). The recalculation of the doses, that is to say, of the related grinding times (TS, TD), can be advantageously sped up and/or forced through a microswitch (216), which automatically informs the software (204) of the logic unit (203) that a granulometry variation has occurred, and consequently there is a variation of the dispensed doses. In the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b), the grinding variation occurs by means of a rotation of the locknut (214) for adjusting grinding, wherein the latter is locked by a locking system of the pin-spring type (215) (FIG. 3a). Said microswitch (216), which is also called warning switch, is connected to said pin-spring device (215) for locking said locknut (214) in such a way as to be automatically activated every time said granulometry variation is performed by means of a rotation of the adjusting locknut (214), by starting said recalculation (104, LCO). As a consequence, both for the single dose and for the double dose, in the grinder-doser apparatus (20, 203, 204) there is the automatic setting of the respective grinding duration parameters (TD, TS).

[0065] Therefore, in short, the method (10) proposed by the present invention provides (FIG. 1): [0066] a first setting (101) of the desired dose weight in grams or fixed nominal dose, single (DSN) and double (DDN), with which a grinding time (TS, TD) is temporarily associated; [0067] an innovative second setting (102) of the tolerance range (106), with respect to said nominal values, and of the limits (108a, 108b) of said reliability range (107a, 107b) beyond which there is a possible anomaly (108a, 108b) (FIG. 2); [0068] the automatic control (103) of the decrease in weight after every dispensing and with the motor off, obtaining the actual weight of each dispensed dose: [0069] the automatic recalculation (104) of the grinding times (TS, TD), which advantageously occurs: [0070] in said continuous use according to an ordinary calculation logic (LCO), when there are three consecutive out-of-tolerance dispensings within the reliability range (102), all in negative or all in positive with respect to the nominal value (DSN, DDN), considering the average of the detected weights and the constant (K) of actual dispensing to obtain the new times (TS, TD), or it occurs, in the forced use, according to a forced calculation logic (LCF) when the microswitch (216) (FIG. 4a) detects a granulometry variation, performing two purging dispensings and one sample dispensing for determining the constant K of actual dispensing with the new granulometry to obtain the new times (TS, TD) from which one can start again with the ordinary logic (LCO); and wherein, if the apparatus has fiat grinding elements mounted thereon, said recalculation (LCO, LCF) occurs with a direct proportionality between the single dose and the double dose, whereas, if conical grinding elements are mounted thereon, it is performed every time separately for both; [0071] the automatic calibration (105) of the apparatus according to said just recalculated grinding times (TS, TD).

[0072] With reference to said method (10) and to said set limit values (101, 102), by way of example only, as stated above (FIG. 2), some practical examples of recalculation (104, LCO, LCF) according to the main operating variables that can be found in daily professional practice are set forth below.

EXAMPLE 1

Continuous Mode (LCO) with Flat Grinding Elements; Divergent Values of the Same Sign with Respect to the Nominal Value

[0073] With non-activation of the microswitch (216), in the continuous operating mode, the recalculation algorithm intervenes only when three consecutive doses, single or double, are dispensed, with out-of-tolerance, reliable values, and of the same sign, that is to say, all within said positive (107a) or negative (107b) reliability range, with respect to the set nominal value.

[0074] First setting (101):

[0075] DSN, that is to say, nominal single dose: dose weight in grams amounting to 7.5 g, with dispensing time (TS) of 2 sec;

[0076] DDN, that is to say, nominal double dose: dose weight in grams amounting to 14 g with dispensing time (TD) of 3.7 sec.

[0077] Detection (103) of three actually dispensed single doses, consecutive, out-of-tolerance and reliable (102):

DS1=4.1 g; DS2=4.2 g; DS3=4.1 g.

[0078] In this case there are 3 consecutive dispensings in negative (107b), thus the algorithm intervenes to self-calibrate the apparatus; it adjusts the dose dispensing time by putting in relation the constant of dispensing (K) of the actually dispensed doses to the desired nominal dose weight in grams. Calculation of the average of the detected weights or actual doses:

DSM=4.1+4.2+4.1=12.4/3=4.1 g

[0079] Calculation of the constant K of actual dispensing:

K=TS/DSM=2/4.1=0.48

[0080] Recalculation of the dose, that is to say, of the grinding time associated with the nominal value of the weight in grams of a single dose:

TS recalculated=K*DS=0.48*7.5=3.6 sec

EXAMPLE 2

Continuous Mode (ICO) with Flat Grinding Elements; Divergent Values of the Same Sign with Respect to the Nominal Value but with a Double Divergent Dose Interposed

[0081]
DSI=4.1 g; DS2=7.8 g; DS3=4.5 g.

[0082] Three out-of-tolerance doses and within the reliability range are detected, which, however, are not all within the same positive (107a) or negative range (107b) with respect to the set nominal value: in this case the recalculation algorithm (LCO) does not intervene.

EXAMPLE 3

Continuous Mode (LCO) with Flat Grinding Elements; a Value Interposed by a Dose of Different Type

[0083]
DSI=4.1 g; DDI=7.6 g; DS2=4.2 g; DS3=4.1 g.

[0084] In this case, although a double dose is interposed, the software equally detects the three doses (DS1, DS2, DS3), out-of-tolerance, reliable and all in negative (107b), which are consecutive, considering the single dispensings only, thus the recalculation is activated. It is important to point out that the double dose, too, has considerably decreased with respect to the set nominal value, because, if the single dose varies, as a consequence the double dose will vary in the same way as the single dose; in this case, there being a direct ratio of 1 to 2 between the single dose and the double dose, the algorithm automatically recalculates time both for the single dose (TS) and for the double dose (TD). So, similarly to what has been set forth in Example 1:

DSM=4.1+4.2+4.1=12./3=4.1

K=TS/DSM=2/4.1=0.48

TS recalculated=K*DSN=0.48* 7.5=3.6 sec

TD recalculated=K*DDN=0.48*14=6sec

EXAMPLE 4

Forced Mode (LCF) with Flat Grinding Elements; Microswitch Activation, Purging and Sample Dispensing

[0085] In the grinding changing phase, thus of activation of the microswitch (216) by rotating the grinding adjusting locknut (214), the next two dispensed doses, single or double, are not taken into consideration by the software (203, 204, LCF) since they basically correspond to purging doses for eliminating the coffee that has remained inside the grinding chamber, having been ground with an undesired, i.e. obsolete, granulometry; then, a single or double dose is dispensed with updated granulometry, according to the just performed adjustment, which acts as a sample dose for recalculating the time of both doses (TS, TD). In this case it should be remembered that, with flat grinding elements mounted on the apparatus, said 1 to 2 ratio applies, which puts the single dose in direct relation to the double dose. Previously set values:

DSN=7.5 g with TS=2 sec

DDN=14 g with TD=3.7 sec

[0086] By reducing the grinding (214, 215) one activates the microswitch (216) that warns the software (203, 204) about the variation occurred, thus the emptying of the grinding chamber, which generally corresponds to a couple of dispensings, for example one single and one double, which are also called purging dispensings and which are not taken into consideration for the purpose of recalculation, is automatically started (LCF); in correspondence of such dispensings, in fact, the apparatus does not perform any detection (103). Then there is the dispensing of a sample double dose (DDC), for the purpose of recalculation, which, once put in relation to the grinding time, is used by the algorithm to calculate the new constant K of dispensing.

[0087] Weight of sample double dose DDC=7.6 g

K=TD/DDC=3.7/7.6=0.48

Recalculation of time for the single dose: TS recalculated=K*DSN=0.48* 7.5=3.6 sec

Recalculation of time for the double dose: TD recalculated=K*DDN=0.48* 14=6.7 sec

EXAMPLE 5

Continuous Mode (LCO) with Conical Grinding Elements; Single Doses

[0088] Unlike what has been set forth in the previous examples with flat grinding elements, in the apparatuses having conical grinding elements mounted thereon there is no direct proportion between the grinding times for the single dose and those for the double dose, there thus being a constant of dispensing (Ks) for the single doses that is different from the constant of dispensing (Kd) for the double doses. The recalculation (LCO) intervenes only when three reliable and consecutive divergent values of the single or double dose are detected, without interpositions, what has been set forth in said Example 3 with flat grinding elements not being valid.

DS1=4.1 g; DS2=42 g; DS3=4.1 g.

[0089] In this case there are 3 consecutive dispensings in negative; the algorithm operates in the way set forth in said Example 1 both for the single dose and for the double dose. The constant (Ks) of actual dispensing for the single doses is thus of 0.48, as in the constant (K) of said Example 1, and wherein the recalculated grinding time, associated with the nominal value of the weight in grams of a single dose, is thus: TRS=Ks*DS=0.48*7.5=3.6 sec, as in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 6

Continuous Mode (LCO) with Conical Grinding Elements, Double Doses

[0090]
DD1=9.1 g; DD2 9.3 g; DD3=9.2 g.

[0091] In this case there are 3 consecutive divergent and reliable dispensings in negative (107b): by a process similar to what has been set forth above, the detected values are automatically averaged:

Average DDM=9.1+9.3+9.2=27.6/3=9.2 g

[0092] Calculation of the constant (Kd) for the double dose:

Kd=TD/DDM=3.7/9.1=0.40

[0093] Recalculation of time for the double dose:

TD recalculated=Kd*DDN=0.4*14=5.6 sec

[0094] In fact, it should be noted that said constant of dispensing (Ks) for the single dose is of 0.48 while the constant Kd for the double dose is of 0.40.

EXAMPLE 7

Forced Mode (LCF) with Conical Grinding Elements, Single Doses, Microswitch Activation, Purging and Sample Dispensing

[0095] In the grinding changing phase, said rotation of the adjusting locknut (214) activates said microswitch (216) that thus starts said two following purging dispensings, wherein the dose is single or double, which are not taken into consideration by the software (203, 204) since they are used to eliminate the coffee with obsolete granulometry that is still inside the grinding chamber. In particular, the following sample dose is differentiated between the single dose and the double dose, since the grinding time is not directly proportional, as exposed above; therefore, in this case, one considers a constant of dispensing (Ks) of the single dose that is different from a constant of dispensing (kd) of the double dose, being respectively intended to recalculate said single dose and said double dose.

[0096] Sample single dose (DSC), weight of actually dispensed coffee for the purpose of the recalculation of the time associated with the nominal single dose:

DSC=4.1 g

[0097] Constant of dispensing (Ks) for the single dose:

Ks=TS/DSC=2/4.1=0.48

[0098] Recalculation of time for the single dose:

TS recalculated=Ks*DSN=0.48*7.5=3.6 sec

EXAMPLE 8

Forced Mode with Conical Grinding Elements, Double Doses, Microswitch Activation, Purging and Sample Dispensing

[0099] Sample double dose (DDC), actually dispensed for the purpose of recalculation of the time associated with the nominal double dose:

DC=9.1 g

[0100] Calculation of the constant of dispensing (Kd) for the double dose:

Kd=TS/DDC=3.7/9.1=0.40

[0101] Recalculation of time for the double dose:

TD recalculated=Kd*DDC=0.4*14=5.6 sec

[0102] From a point of view of the realization of the apparatus (20) (FIGS. 3, 4c), in principle a high-precision weighing device (205) is used, of the electronic scale type with a horizontal detection plane with a load cell (206) of the type conventionally called single point load cell, which is intended to precisely detect a weight between 0 and 20 grams measuring variations up to one hundredth of a gram; said load cell (206) makes immediately available to the control logic unit (203, 204, LCO, LCF), at the end of dispensing, and namely with the motor off in order to ensure maximum stability and detection reliability, at least the exact weighing value in hundredths of a gram. Said cell (20) is powered by a power transformer (208) that, like the cell, is directly controlled by said logic unit (203). As a non-exhaustive example, a cell of the type marketed by the German company Siemens under the name of Siwarex R Load CellsSp Seriesin the customized configuration for weights lower than 0.1 Kg and detections up to one hundredth of a gram is suitable for the invention.

[0103] The present invention describes, for the sake of description and construction simplicity, a weighing device (205) comprising one cell (206) only; however, it is also possible to use multiple cells if this allows to enhance detection quality or in the case of a particular realization and/or application configuration of the invention (10, 20); as a non-exhaustive example, sometimes a couple of cells (206) equal to each other and powered by the same transformer (208) (FIGS. 3, 4c) may be suitable.

[0104] Finally, it was observed in practice that said self-calibration method (10) and grinder-doser apparatus (20) provided by the invention considerably simplify the work of a professional operator, with less physical and mental fatigue, having at one's disposal a constantly calibrated apparatus in such a way as to maximize the quality of the service provided and to instantaneously and precisely obtain the desired exact weight in grams of the dose of ground and dispensed coffee, considering the many variables involved, among which, in particular, the adjustment of the dose weight in grams.

REFERENCE

[0105] (10) method for the automatic and instantaneous calibration of the dispensed dose of ground coffee, or self-calibration, according to the invention;

[0106] (101) setting of the desired dose weight in grams or nominal dose;

[0107] (102) setting of the tolerance and reliability ranges;

[0108] (103) automatic control of the actually dispensed dose;

[0109] (104) automatic recalculation of the grinding times;

[0110] (105) automatic calibration of the apparatus, or setting of times;

[0111] (106) tolerance range of the detected values;

[0112] (107a, 107b) reliability range of the detected values, for recalculation, in positive (107a) or in negative (107b) with respect to the tolerance range;

[0113] (108a, 108b) upper and lower limits of the reliability range;

[0114] (109a, 109b) range of the anomalous, i.e. unrealistic, values, caused by an operating or functional anomaly of the apparatus;

[0115] (20) electronic grinder-doser apparatus of coffee in beans, with an electronic weighing device and a granulometry adjusting means;

[0116] (200) main body of the grinder-doser;

[0117] (201) instrument panel;

[0118] (202) touch screen, as a control and setting panel;

[0119] (203) control logic unit of the motherboard type;

[0120] (204) management programs of the software and algorithms type, for managing in an integrated way the apparatus and the method according to the invention, comprising ordinary and forced control logics, for the automatic recalculation of times;

[0121] (205) weighing device integrated like a base below the main body, independent of the.fter-holding bowl;

[0122] (206) load cell, of the single point type with a horizontal load plane;

[0123] (207) load plane resting on the cell, corresponding to the bottom;

[0124] (208) cell/charging power transformer;

[0125] (209) power and data transfer cable;

[0126] (210) filter-holding bowl;

[0127] (211) support for the filter-holding bowl, independent of the cell, i.e. fixed below the weighing device;

[0128] (212) cone-shaped container for the roasted coffee beans;

[0129] (213) coupling of the cone-shaped container, in correspondence of the grinding elements;

[0130] (214) locknut for adjusting grinding, i.e. granulometry;

[0131] (215) lever with pin-spring;

[0132] (216) microswitch warning about movement of the locknut, i.e. about granulometry variation;

[0133] (217) cables of connection of the microswitch to the control logic unit;

[0134] (DS1-n, DDI-n) weight in grams of the dispensed dose, i.e. actual weight in grams of each progressively dispensed single dose (DS1-n) or double dose (DDI-n);

[0135] (DSM, DDM) average weight of the out-of-tolerance detections considered each time for the purpose of recalculation, for single and double doses;

[0136] (USN, DDN) nominal dose or desired dose weight in grams, corresponding to the weight in grams that one wishes to obtain for the single and double dose, set at start-up being a fixed reference;

[0137] (K) constant of actual dispensing, from which the new grinding times are obtained, wherein in case of conical grinding elements said constant in the single dose (KS) is different from the constant in the double dose (KD), whereas it is the same in case of flat grinding elements;

[0138] (LCF) forced calculation logic, for a forced operating mode;

[0139] (LCO) ordinary calculation logic, for a continuous operating mode;

[0140] (TS, TD) grinding time for the single and the double dose, automatically recalculated and re-set each time according to the proposed method.